BROOKFIELD -- Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics on Silvermine Road will close and eliminate 256 jobs over the next two years as part of an international reorganization.

The first layoffs will take place in September, with the bulk not to occur until the closing on Sept. 30, 2016. Siemens is consolidating its facility here with a similar plant in New Jersey, part of a global restructuring that is shedding 15,000 jobs.

Though Davidson and other local officials said Siemens' move is not a reflection of the town's economy and will not diminish its steady business growth, they acknowledged the closing is an economic blow.

"From a human standpoint, you never want to see anyone lose their job," Davidson said.

As for tax impact for the town, Davidson said the bulk of those dollars relate to personal property. The assessor's office stated the German-owned Siemens pays about $50,000 annually in personal property taxes.

The two-building manufacturing facility opened in 1999 as Dade Behring, and in 2007 was purchased by Siemens. The facility here makes and distributes diagnostic products for a variety of medical conditions such as diabetes, allergies and cardiovascular disease.

"Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics can confirm that it will consolidate its Brookfield, Conn., diagnostic instrument manufacturing operations into the company's Flanders, N.J. facility," said Susan Drew, a company spokeswoman. "We expect that the transition will occur in three phases. The first phase is expected to be implemented in late calendar year 2014, with additional phases occurring through out the end of calendar year 2016. The Brookfield site will be closed after the completion of the consolidation."

Brookfield employees will be offered separation and outplacement benefits, as well the opportunity to apply for other positions within the Siemens organization, including positions in Flanders.

U.S. Rep. Elizabeth Esty, D-Conn., contacted Davidson after the news was announced and said she would assist with showcasing Brookfield as an attractive community for a company seeking to move to this region.